Hummingbird Happiness 101
Here you'll find proven methods for attracting and caring for hummingbirds. Beginner to advanced hummer enthusiasts will find valuable information and helpful tips galore. My hope is that this knowledge will provide a more enjoyable experience for you and the birds.
Happy Hummingbirds in the NJ Pine Barrens
The First Day of Summer 6/20/2008
I am LOVIN' IT!
Three minutes of the activity that goes on at my hummingbird feeders all day here. Last year we went through 70lbs of sugar! Some friends call me the Hummingbird Master. Make sure to click "watch in high quality" right underneath the video. See "Five Steps to Happy Hummers" at: http://squidoo.com/happyhummers Also see Sandy's art and writing at: http://sandysandy.com http://squidoo.com/animalspirits http://squidoo.com/sketchingeveryday
Table of Contents
Five Things You Need to Do:
- Happy Hummingbirds in the NJ Pine Barrens
- 1. Get the Right Kind of Feeder.
- 2. Use the Right Sugar Water Mixture
- 3. Hang your Feeder in the Right Place.
- 4. The Right Feeder Maintenance is Paramount
- 5. Provide the Right Environment
- 2008 Hummingbird Heaven
- July 23rd, 2008
- One Hundred Hummers
- Nonstop Action! ~ 6/24/08
- Happy Hummingbirds ~ 6/20/08
- My Hummingbird Highway
- A flash of Red ~ 6/11/08
- Finally ~ Some Real Activity!
- Ready, Cameras.... Action! ~ 6/11/08
- NESTING HUMMINGBIRDS
- Gratitude and Joy
- Paintings On YouTube From Spiritartartist
- All That Glitters is not Gold
- How Sweet It Is
- Some Bird Books I Recommend
- Learn How to Draw A Hummingbird
1. Get the Right Kind of Feeder.
Saucer type feeders with perches and ant motes are preferred
* Birds like to perch and survey their territory* sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy
* Perching helps young birds to socialize
* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary
* Attract ants
* Make the feeder harder to clean
* I prefer the HummZinger - Has deeper well which deters bees and wasps
* Birds like to perch and survey their territory
* sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy
* Perching helps young birds to socialize
* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary
* Attract ants
* Make the feeder harder to clean
* I prefer the HummZinger - Has deeper well which deters bees and wasps
I don't like the idea of a disposable feeders, commercial premixed nectars or any other gimmicks that companies come up with just to make money! If you don't have time to clean out your feeders, just hang seasonal flowers that the hummingbirds enjoy. See the list below.
This is a sketch of my Fancy Hummzinger from my Drawing Everyday Blog.
HummZinger Feeders on the Web ~ AspectsInc.com
Support Local Merchants
See a large selection of feeders locally at:
A Wild Bird Oasis, Medford Lakes, NJ
The Hummzinger on Amazon
This is one I recommend!
Aspects Hummingbird Hummzinger Excel Feeder (6 feeding ports - 16-oz feeder - 8'' diameter)
These are very easy to clean, no removable parts and no yellow flowers. My hummers prefer the saucer design because I think it gives them better visibility on their lookout for "territory intruders". Some of the other Hummzingers are pretty fancy too!
Amazon Price: $19.69 (as of 07/26/2008)
2. Use the Right Sugar Water Mixture
Never use premixed solutions!
* I repeat, do not use premixed solutions!* ESPECIALLY do not use any product with red dye
* It's unnecessary and may harm the birds
* At best it is useless
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* A four part tap water to one part regular cane sugar (NO substitues) is the most widely accepted solution
* This mix approximates the average sucrose content of flowers favored by North American birds
* Do not make it sweeter as it may harm the birds
* No need to boil the water ~ Will last up to two weeks in the fridge
* Use very hot tap water and dissolve sugar by stirring
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* I use five parts water to one part sugar except during times of migration, when they need more energy
* Increases hummingbird action at feeders
* Hummers seem to like it just as well
* Decreases ant and other insect attraction
3. Hang your Feeder in the Right Place.
Location is Key.
* The north side is most desirable - In shade most of the day* The south side least desirable - In direct sun most of the day
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* Pole hangers are the safest and most versatile
* Can easily be moved to ideal locations
* Keeps feeders a safe distance off ground - away from predators
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* About ants:
* I have successfully used Raid Outdoor Ant Bait stakes at base to eliminate ants
* I have sprayed PAM on pole at base, near ground to eliminate ants
* Do not spray up high where the oil could drip or come into contact with birds
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* Position feeders near trees and plant cover
* Hang feeders near windows so you can enjoy the hummingbirds' company
* To be on the safe side, put decals and or sun catchers on windows near feeders to avoid collisions.
4. The Right Feeder Maintenance is Paramount
The return is well worth the effort.
* Maintaining your feeders is a commitment. ~ Your hummers will become dependent on your care.* Be prepared to continue with the upkeep. ~ Or plant a hummingbird garden, instead.
* Hummingbirds will starve rather than consume spoiled sugar water. ~ They will simply move on.
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* Discard any unconsumed or spoiled solution ~ After a week's time, or if the water becomes cloudy
* Every filling, flush the feeder with hot tap water, scrub with a small feeder brush ~ No soap - just water
* Visually inspect the entire feeder for black mold! ~ Easily removed with a brush and bleach soak
* Bleach soak should be done on a regular basis ~ Monthly or as needed
* Clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water
* Soak one hour, then clean with a bottle or feeder brush
* Rinse well with running water and refill.
* If the birds are not emptying your feeder between cleanings ~ Just partially refill it.
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* If the sugar solution in your feeder turns cloudy ~ It's spoiled and needs to be replaced
* If you get a lot of rain and the mixture gets diluted, you need to change it.
* When the temperature is over 80 degrees (F), clean and refill every three or four days.
* Over 90°F, it might spoil in one or two days.
5. Provide the Right Environment
Make your yard hummer friendly
* Plant vegetation that attracts hummingbirds ~ To provide natural nector and attract the insects they feed on* Flowers usually highly visible ~ With little fragrance
* A hummer garden is also a great way to attract
customers to your feeders
* Don't use pesticides around hummingbird plants
*Pesticides will also eliminate the small insects hummingbirds rely upon for protein
*Ingesting sprayed flowers could sicken or kill birds
* Some Common Plants to Attract and Feed Hummingbirds ~
Trees and Shrubs ~ * Azalea * Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) * Cape Honeysuckle * Mt. Laurel * Mimosa
Vines ~ * Coral Honeysuckle * Cypress Vine * Morning Glory * Trumpet Creeper
Flowers ~ * Bee Balm (Monarda) * Canna * Cardinal Flower * Columbine * Foxglove * Hosta * Yucca * Fuchsia * Impatiens * Petunia * Various Salvia species
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2008 Hummingbird Heaven
My Diary of Hummer Happenings
July 23rd, 2008
Ten Feeders
One Hundred Hummers
Nonstop Action! ~ 6/24/08
Happy Hummingbirds ~ 6/20/08
My Hummingbird Highway
June 20th ~ 2008
I took this photo today. I did a little Photoshop work
to it by combining several photos into one.
This is really how it looks around here though!
Just ask anyone who's seen it for themselves!
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See a larger version of this image here on my
Hummingbird Pages
on www.sandysandy.com.
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A flash of Red ~ 6/11/08
Finally ~ Some Real Activity!
June 11th ~ Hummingbird Activity Has Been Low So Far This Year
Ready, Cameras.... Action! ~ 6/11/08
NESTING HUMMINGBIRDS
Where Are All The Hummers?
I saw a couple of females at the feeders today. Perhaps the nest is getting a little crowded and the moms needed a little time to themselves.
May 30th ~
I haven't seen any females at my feeders for several weeks now. The ones I did see then, already looked plump and ready to lay eggs. I sure can hear a lot of noisy squeaks whenever I go outside however. I guess it will be another couple of weeks before the crowds arrive.
He's B A C K ! Right On Schedule! ~ 4/19/08
Ruby-Throated HUMMINGBIRDS
The Only Species that's Common East of the Mississippi
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most skillful flyers of all the birds and it is the only species that can fly backwards. Because it can hover, fly up, down, forward, backward and sideways, at amazing speeds up to 55 mph., it virtually has no predators. Hummers drink flower nectar and eat small insects constantly throughout the day and hibernate at night to conserve energy. With no help from the male, the female can raise 2-3 broods of offspring each season. The mother builds her walnut sized nest of borrowed silk and web of insects and decorates it with moss and lichen. If she survives, she will return year after year to the same spot to nest.
The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species that nests east of the Mississippi. Here it is wide ranging, from southern Canada to Florida. Hummers winter in Mexico and Central America and have been known to travel over 2500 miles on their biannual migrations. Because of this, hummingbirds are a symbol of accomplishing that which seems impossible. Their playful aerial displays and squeaky cheeps remind us to seek joy as we drink from the abundant nectars of life.
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Happy Healthy Hummers
Sandy Sandy's Web Log
Featuring my animals, friends, art, photos and adventures!
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
Gratitude and Joy
Paintings On YouTube From Spiritartartist
Three Joyful Minutes
A collection of my Spirit Art Paintings
set to the New Age music of CUSCO
Relax and enjoy the show!
The Symbolism of Hummingbird
From My Animal Spirits Book
Hummingbird enjoys spreading love and joy among flowers, animals, and people. Because hummers may migrate as much as 3,000 miles twice a year, they are a symbol of intense focus and dedication. They are successful at achieving that which seems unattainable. This can provide much inspiration to those facing difficult situations. The magic of the hummingbird lies in being able to open hearts. People who have the energy of the hummingbird display similar characteristics. They are constantly searching for balance and harmony. Helping others to enjoy life more fully, they often bring out the best in everybody.If hummingbird has come to you, remember that those who
bring joy to others cannot keep it from themselves.
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All That Glitters is not Gold
Birds of Inner Light and Rainbow Wings
Notes from a Hummkeeper
"The Hummingbird Master".
All of the images on this site are taken from my original art, some of which is still available for sale. Please contact me with your inquires, thanks!
How Sweet It Is
Hummingbird Poll
What's Your Opinion Of The Hummingbirds' Personality?
We all see things differently and I think it's a good thing. How do you view our little garden gems?
Reader Feedback
Wait....Please Let Me Know You Were Here!
Thank you for visiting my lens. Please let me know what you think about what's here and what else you'd like to see. If you like it, Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some stars by clicking on the right hand 5 stars above. Also please LensRoll Me and Add Me To Your Favorites. Lensrolling makes it easier to get back here and see the new information I've added! I plan on adding fresh content as the season gets under way here. I really appreciate your thoughts and love hearing from you. Wishing You Abundance Always, Sandy
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clouda9
This lens about hummingbirds is awesome, you are on my new blog clouda9.info (minus the www. in your browser). I'd love to hear from you! Posted July 24, 2008 |
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mulberry
Wonderful lens, we have hummingbirds, amazing little creatures! Posted July 22, 2008 |
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cowgirlup1123
I love the photos. My neighbor has hummingbird feader and it is so cool seeing them come. MY sister calls them ZUMS Posted July 10, 2008 |
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triathlontraining
Lensrolled on my Family Activities in the Twin Cities. :) Posted July 07, 2008 |
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Pamela2Heaven
I love hummers...they are so fascinating! One of God's most perfect creatures. Posted July 07, 2008 |
Some Bird Books I Recommend
Books About Hummers and Others From My Library
A Hummingbird in My House: The Story of Squeak
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/26/2008)
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition
Amazon Price: $16.32 (as of 07/26/2008)
The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
My Favorite Hummer Site
A Wealth of Information 24 / 7 at Your Fingertips!
- The Web's premier hummingbird site
- I visit this site often! Here you'll find answers to many common questions. Identification, science, feeding, migration maps, photo and art gallery links and much more are here for the education and delight of hummingbird enthusiasts.
